Professional Ocean Athlete and Ambassador for Oceans and Coasts, Bruckner Chase -Uila o le Sami, who swam from Aunu’u to Pago Pago in 2011 is returning to American Samoa.
He is due to arrive May 11 prior to the summer release of an innovative new NOAA National Weather Service film series that was captured on-island with an NWS film crew last September.
Bruckner will be working with village groups, schools, local agencies and community groups to share the key messages that are central to this new educational film series that includes the specific hazards faced by visitors and local residents.
Hosted by Bruckner, the film teaches personal and community actions that can help prevent dangerous situations while also helping those who may find themselves in a position to protect or save others.
Bruckner and his Ocean Positive Foundation’s vision is to develop sustainable opportunities to enhance the safety, well-being and quality of life for everyone in American Samoa.
Bruckner will be joined by his wife and they will be working in cooperation with National Weather Service, Samoan Affairs, village leaders, government agencies, schools and community groups to coordinate their on-island activities and outreach.
Bruckner’s upcoming trip will focus on the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources’ ongoing efforts on community and coastal strength building and recovery.
He will also work with the Department of Commerce on ocean safety capacity building with the goal of promoting economic development opportunities connected to ocean and coastal resources.
In addition to working with groups in the water and in the classroom on safety skills presented in the Ocean Safe film, Bruckner’s Ocean Positive Foundation will be installing a new prototype Remote Rescue Station in Leone to protect both those in trouble in the water and potential rescuers.
